Baltimore Orioles
Tina and Bob chat about a strikingly beautiful bird. Learn all about when and where you might see this bird. Find out out why some birds are turning red!

Tina and Bob chat about a strikingly beautiful bird. Learn all about when and where you might see this bird. Find out out why some birds are turning red!
Bob talks with Dan Flores the author of Coyote America: A Natural and Supernatural History . The book is a fascinating history of the coyote and why we need to learn to live with this iconic animal. Our source for this episode is the book Coyote America by Dan Flores. Learn more about Dan at the website Project Coyote .
Bob talks with Hillary Rosner the author of Roam: Wild Animals and the Race to Repair Our Fractured World . The book explores the urgent need to rebuild a kinder, more connected world for both wildlife and ourselves Our source for this episode is the book Roam: Wild Animals and The Race to Repair Our Fractured World by Hillary Rosner....
Tina and Bob learn all about Snowy Owls. If you are a Harry Potter fan you should listen to this episode! Our sources for this episode include: Owl Research Institute Snowy Owl Audubon Guide Snowy Owl from All About Birds
Greg and Bob delve into the origins of pumpkins. Find out what pumpkins are and how they developed into one of the most popular fruits. Related episode: Cranberry Thanks Our sources for this episode include: The Jack-O-Lantern's Origins 6 Things You May Not Know About Pumpkins 25 Fascinating Pumpkin Facts...
Bob chats with Leigh Ann Henion about her new book Night Magic: Adventures Among Glowworms, Moon Gardens, and other Marvels of the dark. Related Episode: Gardening for Moths with Jim McCormac Our sources for this episode include: Night Magic by Leigh Ann Henion
Gia and Bob are once again excited about the arrival of the 17 year periodic cicadas. In 2025 it is Brood XIV that we welcome back. We hope to inspire you to either love cicadas or maybe just hate them a little less. Bob and Gia share 17 cool things about cicadas. There is nothing to fear when the cicadas are here! Related episodes: Cicadas are Kinda Cute , The Nature of Oaks with Doug Tallamy Web sources for this episode include: Cicada Safari App created by Dr. Gene Krit sky Cicada Mania - Cic...
Bob talks with John Seed who started working on saving rain forests in Australia in 1979. John explains how he learned about biodiversity and Deep Ecology . To learn more about John Seed check out: The Rainforest Information Centre - organization founded by John Seed Thinking Like a Mountain - free PDF John Seed Deep Ecology - includes subscribing to John's mailing list...
Tina from Red Oaks Forest School joins Bob to explain Zugunruhe and the yellow warbler. Find out what the heck a warbler is and how you can see some during spring migration. Related episodes: What's Your Zugunruhe? , Merlin Magic Our sources for this episode include: Songbird Journeys by Miyoko Chu (book recommended by Tina) Yellow Warbler Migration When will Yellow Warblers Return...
Greg Torres, the plant guru, dives into the multifaceted world of trees, defining them and highlighting their crucial ecological functions, including oxygen production and carbon sequestration. The discussion reveals how trees are biodiversity drivers, supporting countless species through their structure and even fallen leaves. Furthermore, the episode explores humanity's deep-rooted connection to trees, from the evolution of our hands and sight to the psychological benefits of forest bathing and the spiritual transcendence found in planting for future generations.
Carol Mundy, the host of the radio show Outdoor Life , collaborates on this second episode about cats. This episode focuses on feral cats and was inspired by an email from listener Steve Inglish. Related episode: Cats Our sources for this episode include: Cat Wars The Devastating Consequences of a Cuddly Killer by Peter P. Mora and Chris Santella The Lion in the Living Room How House Cats Tamed Us and Took Over The World by Abigail Tucker...
Bob runs into a pet opossum with his grandson Drew and his friend Graeme in a city park. Poppy is very cute and inspired us to listen to a podcast Bob and Bill recorded back in 2017. Related episodes: Bat in the House and Sick of Ticks Our sources for this episode include: 10 things you didn't know about opossums Wildlife Rescue: Opossums Opossums - killers of ticks The 'Possum Pages: FAQs Opossum Defense Mechanisms...
Bob joins Carol Mundy on her radio show Outdoor Life to discuss one of the most successful invasive species on the planet the house cat. Our sources for this episode include: Cat Wars: The Devastating Consequences of a Cuddly Killer by Peter P. Mora and Chris Santella The Lion in the Living Room: How House Cats Tamed Us and Took Over The World by Abigail Tucker
Bob and Tina record in front of a live audience to share stories about crows. This bird is easy to identify but its behavior is very complex. Find our why Tina is a crow lover and listen to some amazing stories about crows. If you have your own crow story share it on our website via speak pipe or in the comment section for this episode. Our sources for this episode include: Gifts of the Crow by John Marzluff and Tony Angela Birdology by Sy Montgomery...
Sam and Greg join Bob at the Civic Garden Center 's Fall Native Plant Festival. They have an engaging presentation about the benefits and history of this under appreciated plant. Related episode: Johnny Appleseed Our sources for this episode include: In Defense of the Lowly Grape The Drunken Botanist by Amy Stewart...
Caroline joins Bob to talk about her true passion Native Grasses. Learn how these grasses can add to the diversity of life in the landscapes of our neighborhoods. Related episodes: Lawns , Boxwood Bash Our sources for this episode include: Understanding Roots by Robert Kourik Benefits of Native Grasses in Urban Landscaping Beyond Flowers: Enhancing Wildlife Gardens with Native Grasses Establishing Early Successional Habitat for Wildlife...
Bob and Greg delve into one of their favorite plants, the Prickly Pear Cactus. It has a range far beyond the dessert so you should be able to find it in your area. Our sources for this episode include: US Forest Service Prickly Pear What Animals Eat Cactus 5 Facts About Prickly Pear Cactus Nine Interesting Facts about Prickly Pear...
Turkey Tail mushrooms are everywhere! Gia admits that mushrooms may be her favorite things in nature. Learn all about one of the most common and easy to find mushrooms. Our sources for this episode include: Michael Kuo's take on turkey tail / Trametes versicolor: The Turkey Tail ( MushroomExpert.Com ) Good explanation of medicinal properties / How to Make Turkey Tail Mushroom Powder Tom Volk's take on turkey tail / Fungus of the Month for August 1997 (wisc.edu) Nicholas Money's paper " Are Mushr...
Bob and Beth led family hikes at the Arc of Appalachia Highlands Nature Sanctuary in April of 2024. After the hikes they recorded a podcast with some of the hikers. Tune in to hear about wildflowers and more from the perspective of the children on the hike.
Central Indiana had clear skies for the April 8, 2024 eclipse! Bob joined a fantastic group of family, friends and other nature lovers at Jenkins Forever Farm animal sanctuary for a spectacular eclipse. He was able to record some of their reactions before, during and after the eclipse. Related Episodes: Eclipse with Dean Regas, Eclipse Lovers
In the final episode of the Invasive Plant Series Bob, Greg and Sam outline several possible paths that the common person can undertake to help turn the tide of invasive plants. From education and community driven initiatives to pushing market changes through purchasing power, we can all do a small part to make a big difference. Related Episodes: Walnut Woods , Invasive Plants , Lawns , Gardening for Moths with Jim McCormac , The Nature of Oaks with Doug Tallamy For more information, we recommen...
In this episode the discussion turns toward the horticulture industry and the impact working with plants has had overtime. Bob, Greg and Sam then turn to examine the branch of Ornamental Horticulture and its culpability in the mass production and distribution of non-native plants around the world. While this trend continues, new options of planting with native plants and the idea of cultivating native plants at home for the sake of conservation are introduced. Related Episodes: Lawns, Invasive P...
In episode 2 of our Invasive Plant Series Bob, Greg and Sam discuss why invasive plants pose such a problem to our ecosystem. The plant guru dives into the intricate connections between plants and other wildlife, explaining that plants truly are the basis of all ecosystems. From there, we talk about the way our land use decisions have created the perfect conditions for invasive plants to thrive in North America. Related Episodes: Invasive Plants Part 1 , Invasive Plants , The Nature of Oaks with...
Bob sits down with Greg and Sam to discuss one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time, invasive plants. It's such a dense topic that we decided to break it up into 4 separate episodes. In part 1, we introduce the concept of native and non-native invasive plants. Greg and Sam provide a big picture perspective on the human systems that are driving the spread of invasive plants and invite you to join us in starting a more meaningful conversation around invasive plants and their impac...
Bob and Tina chat about an amazing bird - the Indigo Bunting. Find out where and when you can see the brilliant blue male and how these birds migrate over 1200 miles. You can find out more about Tina and Red Oaks Forest School at redoaksforestschool.org . Related episode: What's Your Zugunruhe? Our sources for this episode include: For the Birds: An Uncommon Guide by Laura Erickson Laura Erickson Blog Post on Floaters Where Do Indigo Buntings Live Indigo Bunting Life History BirdCast - migration...
Bob and co host Charles are joined by Doug Chadwick, author of The Wolverine Way. Doug is celebrating the listing of wolverines as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Related episode: Four Fifths a Grizzly with Doug Chadwick For more information, please see: The Wolverine Way at Patagonia Books Vital Ground Foundation...
Bob invites his partner Beth to share her passion for children's literature by describing 6 of her favorite books about the eclipse. In addition, Bob offers suggestions about places to view the totality of the solar eclipse including the Jenkins Forever Farm animal sanctuary where you can join Nature Guys for this spectacular display on April 8, 2024. Related episode: Eclipse with Dean Regas Here are the books Beth reviewed and recommends. Check them out at your local library or independent book...
Bob and Charles tackle one of the hardest subjects that Nature Guys has ever undertaken. In part 1 of Passenger Pigeon they go back in time to experience what this bird was like and how humans managed to wipe out this bird. Part 2 covers what we have learned and not learned from the Passenger Pigeon. Related episodes: Passenger Pigeon Part 1 , The Nature of Oaks with Doug Tallamy For more information, we recommend these books: Wild New World The Epic Story of Animals and People in America by Dan...
Bob and Charles tackle one of the hardest subjects that Nature Guys has ever undertaken. In part 1 of Passenger Pigeon they go back in time to experience what this bird was like. Thanks to naturalists in the past we have first hand accounts of what this bird was like. Find out how humans managed to wipe out this bird. For more information, we recommend these books: Wild New World The Epic Story of Animals and People in America by Dan Flores (Bob's pick) Man and Nature by George Perkins Marsh (Ch...
Bob is joined by the astronomer Dean Regas. Our goal for this podcast is to inspire you to attend the total eclipse of the sun on April 8th, 2024. Dean Regas Website: astrodean.com NASA Science: 2024 Total Solar Eclipse